Kevin Walters is relishing the competitive tension for spine positions in the Australian side as the battle to secure four key World Cup starting spots heats up.
Against Fiji on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium, the starting spine will include captain James Tedesco at fullback, with Walters confirming that Reece Walsh won’t play.
Tom Dearden and debutant Sam Walker will play in the halves and Cronulla's Blayke Brailey will debut at No.9.
There is no doubt reigning Golden Boot winner Harry Grant will be hooker in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Queensland captain Cameron Munster has been a staple at five-eighth and is favoured to wear the No.6 jersey at the pointy end.
The fullback and halfback jerseys are well and truly up for grabs. Dearden was last year's Wally Lewis Medal winner as player of the State of Origin series. Injured this year, he made way for Sydney Roosters premiership winner Walker to step up and have a stunning debut series for the Maroons in the No.7.
“They're good decisions to have when they're headaches. Well, not so much headaches, but there's lots of pressure on from all the players,” Walters said.
“They all want to be playing next week and the week after, and the week after that, so that creates a competitive environment, which is what we need to see.”
Walters said it was great to see Walker and Dearden in a representative team for the first time.
“It’s entertaining, but defensively we want them to be very strong as well. I'm looking forward to seeing them both. It's what we missed in this year's Origin series,” Walters said.
“Sam jumped in (Dearden’s) spot and he did a great job for Queensland, so now it's time to do it for Australia.”
Tedesco, who last played for Australia in 2023, is the reigning Clive Churchill Medal winner and won the NRL premiership with the Roosters as skipper after shining in NSW’s State of Origin series win.
“He's had a good rest after the grand final now. It's in the rear-vision mirror,” Walters said.
“He loves carrying the ball and defensively, high balls and the like, I expect him to be very good.
"He's an elite player. It's really great to see him back in the green and gold, particularly captaining as well. I feel that's really good for Teddy.”
Walters said there was a world where Walsh and Tedesco could play in the same 19 in the finals.
“Certainly. They're two very good players, so I expect them both to be there right until the end. We can use them in many ways,” Walters said.
“That's the luxury that we have at the moment, which I'm very mindful of and very respectful of.
"I think Reece will drop off the bench (against Fiji). We'll give him a rest this week and see where we're at after the game."
Walsh, who won the Clive Churchill Medal after Brisbane’s grand final win in 2025, was outstanding in the 24-22 win over New Zealand at No.1, so Walters has a big decision looming.
Kangaroos forward Pat Carrigan said either Walsh or Tedesco would do the job.
"In big moments Reecey steps up to deliver. I've been on the receiving end and can definitely say James Tedesco does the same too,” Carrigan said.
"The boys are walking around calling each other Clive and love hanging out together. I think Kevvie's got an abundance of riches there too. I know whoever gets that No.1 jersey will do a great job for the country.”
